While continuing my "research" of Spring / Summer 2011 modes and fads, I stumbled upon this concept known in the industry as color blocking. The idea has apparently been around for a few decades with intermittent comings and goings in being la mode. A delicate and careful approach must be taken with this trend as it can be over-done or done distastefully... what looks good on a runway model during fashion week doesn't transliterate in the same manner as it would on an everyday, contemporary woman. Thankfully, the editors at UK Vogue put together a small "how-to" guide on easily mastering this trend in their Spring / Summer 2009 online edition. When using complimentary colors as your theme:
"- Team colours from the same family together for a harmonious look - think bright pinks with vivid fuchsias, turquoise with royal blue
- Keep warmer tones like orange and red together
- Go for a neutral tone shoe to keep it simple"
GUCCI SPRING 2011
LANVIN SPRING 2011
To wear contrasting colors to mix it up:
"- Work regal purples in with contrasting, fiery oranges
- Try lime green with melon or rosebud pink for a pleasantly jarring combination
- Go to town on the look with a loud, contrasting shoe or handbag"
AQUILANO RIMONDI SPRING 2011
GUCCI SPRING 2011
LANVIN SPRING 2011
Think you can master the art of color combination? I will definitely have to give this trend a try, as it does give me an excuse to go shopping for Spring and Summer! I'm so over my monotonous basic black wardrobe... although not ready to let go of my fantastic collection of blazing blazers!
Whilst web browsing my favorite of favorites store Forever 21 with color-color-color as a goal in mind, I did manage to find a few pieces I fancied trying on.
The Basic Racerback Tank is available in five colors, including Aqua, Fuschia, and Yellow for only $3.50. For someone who is just dipping their foot in the water with this flashy trend, a colorful and easy-to-care-for tank like this is a great start to that Spring and Summer 2011 wardrobe. And if you decide that you're not much a fan of this type of fashion after all, it's okay! I would figure not a lot of guys and gals would jump head first into it. But the racerback would go great anyway with a pair of light colored or acid washed jeans and bejeweled sandals. Throw on a busy, bunched necklace full of charms or a single strand with a big pendant... the bright color of the tank top becomes a great backdrop to a gorgeous piece of jewelry. 
Wouldn't we all (or most of us) love to experience that Southern California style perfect weather day to day? Because if I wasn't residing in such a hot and humid climate (I LOVE HOUSTON), I would totally rock this Purple Open Front Waterfall Jacket probably 29 out of the 31 days of March and most of April, too. Available for only $22.80 at Forever21.com, the linen-blend casual jacket would go rather well with a yellow handbag, unless you're against dressing like a fan of a certain NBA team. If you know what I'm talking about but don't mind the correlation because the color combo is just too damn good to pass up, just pretend like you know nothing of what people are talking about. If you want to skip the yellow handbag but want to throw on something else yellow, go for the Forever 21 Pair of Dressy Woven Shorts (below), available at their online store for $17.80. The shorts would also look superb with a red dolman-sleeve top, a brown handbag, and gladiator-style sandals if you're going about the town during the weekend or enjoying a margarita on the patio of a Tex-Mex joint.
And speaking of red items of clothing, I spotted two bottoms that would just look so darling with a purple or orange top. The first is a Scalloped Linen Blend Skirt (below, top), courtesy of Forever 21 for $15.80. The fully lined skirt even comes with pockets, a feature that I look for in casual dresses and skirts I buy. The other, the Forever 21 Fab Cuffed Shorts costs a mere $8.50! Dress it up with a white tank, an orange blazer and platform heels. Both are lightweight pieces that work best to show off those sexy gams and the perfect pair of shoes that go with it.
For a couple of tops to top of the burst of color that will be your closet, I found at Forever 21 a Knit Tunic Top for $5.50. Available in seven colors including Navy and Red (right), the lightweight cotton shirt skims the torso at just the right places and can be paired with a lavender short skirt or royal blue pants. A gold or silver toned clutch with strappy nude stilettos and loosely curled hair will round out the ensemble. But if the trend doesn't work well with you, you can always pair the top with leggings or black skinny jeans. For a low-low-low price like $5.50, you may as well get three or four of these tunics as they can be dressed up or done casually with just the right kind of accessories and footwear.
If you go for a fiery red or orange themed get-up, how bout adding a little je ne sais quoi to that outfit? I thought this Crochet Knit Shawl (above) sold on Forever 21's website for $19.80 would do just the trick. The stole is 100% cotton and feels light so you can dress your shoulders up without looking like the cat lady being dragged down by a heavy piece of winter cloth. Skip the flashy earrings and bunched necklace when wearing this piece as the decorative trim and tie closure should serve as an eye-catcher in itself.
These are just a few pieces I found at my favorite store that are easy to wear and won't dip into your savings account. There are literally millions of colorful separates out there that can be put together into a genius outfit for a fashion-forward mademoiselle. Wear the clothing; don't let the trend wear you. Show off your style flair and your personality with your clothes and whatever it is you choose to wear that day, WEAR IT WITH CONFIDENCE!
What do you think of this recycled style trend? What pieces have you found so far that would go great together as a color block?
- Arlene H.J.
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